Do you love gluten free chicken tenders? These crispy, juicy tenders are a family favorite! For more gluten-free chicken recipes, try our orange chicken, comforting chicken noodle soup, or crispy chicken nuggets.
What makes these gluten-free chicken tenders special is the mix of mayonnaise and egg, which helps the breadcrumbs stick while keeping the chicken moist. The seasoning blend adds that perfect restaurant-quality flavor—without any gluten! This recipe is my go-to for a quick dinner fix, ready in under 30 minutes. For more crispy chicken options, try our low-carb tenders or delicious baked chicken cutlets.
What You'll Love About These Chicken Tenders
- No Compromise on Texture - The gluten-free panko creates an incredibly crispy exterior that rivals any traditional chicken tender
- Family-Friendly - Even those who don't follow a gluten-free diet won't notice the difference - they're that good!
- Versatile - Perfect for dipping, adding to salads, or serving as the protein in a complete meal
Recipe Ingredients
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect gluten free chicken tenders:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Mayonnaise
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Notes
- Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs - These are the secret to the exceptional crunch factor. Brands like Ian's or Kikkoman make excellent gluten-free versions that crisp up beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Flour - I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. My favorites are Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur Measure for Measure.
- Mayonnaise - This unexpected ingredient is crucial for keeping the chicken moist while helping the coating stick perfectly. Don't skip it!
How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
For the full detailed recipe with exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card. Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Cut chicken breasts into even strips
- Mix the coating ingredients in a bowl (mayo, egg, GF flour, and seasonings)
- Toss chicken in the coating mixture and let sit for 10 minutes
- Coat each piece in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Arrange on a lined baking sheet
- Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through
Pro Tips
This is literally the easiest recipe ever! But these tips will take your gluten free chicken tenders from good to absolutely amazing:
- For extra crispiness, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking oil before baking
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before baking - this helps the coating adhere better
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These tenders freeze beautifully! Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the coating soggy.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs for an herbed variation
- Include ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley after baking for color and fresh flavor
Substitutions:
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- Swap the egg for 3 tablespoons of aquafaba if you need an egg-free version
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier tenders
- Substitute the panko with crushed gluten-free corn flakes for a different crunch experience
FAQs about this gluten free chicken tenders
What gluten free chicken tenders does Disney use?
How do you keep batter from falling off chicken tenders?
How do you keep chicken tenders juicy when frying?
What Can I Serve with These Chicken Tenders?
These versatile gluten free chicken tenders pair beautifully with so many sides! Try them with sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For dipping, offer gluten-free options like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or my homemade ranch dressing.
If you try this recipe, I'd absolutely love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media with your crispy creations.
You May Also Like
Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Baking Sheet Lined with parchment paper
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating Mixture
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Breading
- 3 cups gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into strips about 4 inches long, 1½ inches wide, and ½ inch thick. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, gluten-free flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the chicken strips to the mixture and toss until they are uniformly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Place the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs on a large plate.
- Coat each chicken strip with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off excess crumbs and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken tenders for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Leave a Reply